Government Relations Report Johanne Blain First Vice-President OPTION 1 1. CDC Dog Import Form receipt – this form will be accessible beginning on July 15, 2024 on the CDC website. ▶ This form should be filled out online, ideally two - 10 days before arrival; however, it can also be completed right before travel (even in line at the border crossing). ▶ If the information on the form changes before the dog arrives, you must submit a new form and indicate that you are making changes to an existing form. ▶ This form requires you to upload a picture (jpg, png, gif files only) of the dog showing its face and body. ▶ There is no charge to submit this form. 2. Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form. ▶ This form can be accessed on the CDC website here: www.cdc.gov/importation/pdf/347457B_FRM_NCEZID_Rabies_Free-508.pdf. ▶ The form is valid for (1) a single entry for 30 days after the form was issued if it does not contain information about a rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country, OR (2) multiple entries into the U.S. for the duration of the rabies vaccination validity (one or three years) if it contains information about a rabies vaccination administered in a dog rabies-free or low-risk country. This is the only form which permits multiple entries using the same form. 3. Veterinary records (including microchip number) for the previous six months. OPTION 2 1. CDC Dog Import Form receipt – this form will be accessible beginning on July 15, 2024 on the CDC website. ▶ Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form – this form can be accessed from the CDC website here: www.cdc.gov/importation/ pdf/347457A_FRM_NCEZID_Foreign_vacc_dog-508.pdf. ▶ The form must be completed within 30 days before arrival to the United States and is valid for a single entry. 2. Valid rabies serology titer OR veterinary records (including microchip number) for the previous six months. OPTION 3 1. CDC Dog Import Form receipt – this form will be accessible beginning on July 15, 2024 on the CDC website. 2. Foreign export certificate endorsed by official veterinarian (includes dog’s age and microchip number). ▶ Contact your local veterinarian in the country of export for assistance obtaining this form. ▶ The certificate must be issued within 30 days before arrival to the United States and is valid for a single entry. 3. Veterinary records (including microchip number) for the previous six months. Failure to adhere to the CDC’s requirements could result in the dog being denied entry to the United States. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has clarified that they have no role in the export of dogs and cats to the United States of America (U.S.), including Hawaii. The completion and issuance of any required documentation (e.g. vaccination certificate, export health certificate) is the responsibility of a licensed Canadian veterinarian and official endorsement (i.e. stamp and signature) by a CFIA veterinarian is not required. When compared to the existing rules, these new requirements are costly, time-consuming and are excessive for pet dogs entering the United States from a low-risk country such as Canada. The CSA is currently working to ensure that our members’ interests are represented with the CDC by making these regulatory changes more travel friendly for vacationers and will provide members with updates as soon as new information is available. Gilles and I wish you a safe and happy summer. In May, the CSA distributed an email advisory to all members providing notification of upcoming policy changes for Canadian travellers entering the United States with their pet dogs. Existing rules require only that the dog appear healthy and for the owner to provide either a written or verbal statement that the dog has not been in a country that is high risk for rabies within the last six months. According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), beginning on August 1, 2024 all dogs entering the United States, including pets, must: ▶ Appear healthy upon arrival; ▶ Be at least six months of age; ▶ Be microchipped; and ▶ Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt. In addition, for dogs that have only been in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk during the six months before entry, such as Canada, the CDC requires proof of valid rabies vaccination. Canadian travellers have three options for providing the necessary documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) while travelling to the United States with their pet dog. These options differ depending on which proof of rabies vaccination is used. CSANews | SUMMER 2024 | 11
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